It's part of our family now.". On the Trail of Gasparilla'S Treasure Haunted by The Ghost of Notorious "The Gasparilla Day Parade, the big parade, is the third largest parade in this country after only the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Rose Bowl parade. Go find it, unbury it, take tons of pictures, bury it back again, and prove to the world that you found it. The American Continents have a rich treasure history dating back to ancient civilizations of the Toltecs and Aztecs who understood the mining and smelting of gold and silver from which they made ornaments shields and household utensils. As with any tale of vast hidden riches, these stories can not be 100 percent verified to even exist. He told where the body would be found and a sketch was prepared under his direction, and in recent years in the exact location as described, the skeleton of a beheaded woman was found.". The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Jos Gaspar, known by his nickname Gasparilla (supposedly lived c. 1756 - 1821), was a purported Spanish pirate, the "last of the Buccaneer s," who is claimed to have raided the west coast of Florida during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Jos Gaspar, also known by his nickname Gasparilla (supposedly lived c. 1756 - 1821), is an apocryphal Spanish pirate who terrorized the Gulf of Mexico from his base in southwest Florida during Florida's second Spanish period (1783 to 1821). (3) The Spanish kept meticulous records and there is no mention of Gasparilla in the archives. Jose was also an officer of high standing in the naval affairs of the Spaniards. Gaspar is presented as dignified, noble in heart and rich and titled in some versions. Deleware holds one more possibility around Woodland Beach. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Charlotte Harbor is an ideal spot to go treasure hunting. He's rumored to have had a secret base in Charlotte Harbor and would sail back and forth to Spain as well as roam around the Gulf of Mexico until his death in 1821, at the hands of the U.S. Navy. You must log in or register to reply here. It's light on history and heavy on action, suspense, and intrigue. Jose Gaspar Rodriguez de Francia: Politician: Capricon: 06 January 1766 AD . This story seems to border on the outer limits, but a local historian doesnt believe that the hand belongs to the famed pirate. There are a few pirates who may have hidden treasure at this spot, including Billy. Tales of love and marriage, an aristocratic captain with nobility in his crew, a handsome and debonair adventurer: all these stories seem too good to be true. I love searching for all types of "treasures" with my family. The story was included in a brochure in 1900 for a hotel on Gasparilla Island, where the pirate supposedly stored his vast treasures in a hidden den that had never been found. However there are several problems with the story which have led many to question whether Gasparilla as he was known was a real historical figure. Some records give him the honor of being what we would call an admiral. Gaspar did not exist, but never mind that. According to the story, Gaspar had underestimated the USS Enterprise as an easy target. Jose Gaspar, the legendary buccaneer who inspired Tampa's Gasparilla Pirate Festival, as well as fantastic tales of lost treasure, most likely never really existed. GC3FZAF Jose Gaspar (Traditional Cache) in Florida, United States This is believed to be part of the bribe money given to the owner. Some say that as this disguised ship was sailing by, the aging pirate and his crew were in the process of dividing up the spoils as an act of retirement. Definitely try, Find our recommended Caribbean hotels, restaurants, charters, & tours. Pirate Treasure on Goodland in Southwest Florida - LITTLE BAR Restaurant Jose was also an officer of high standing in the naval affairs of the Spaniards. Though that treasure has never been discovered, the story of the swashbuckling Gaspar was unearthed and his memory revived in 1904 when Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla was formed and adopted the pirate as patron rogue of their city . Instead, he pursued a merchant ship and insisted that it convey Batista and Ann Jeffries to England and that its captain marry them on board after they were out of sight of his ship, the Jose Gasparilla II. From a four-mile long parade of pirates and period memorabilia on display, to specialty packages and a waterfront half . Shopping, Gift & Specialty Shops. When it comes to spring cleaning, its always nice to have a spare hand to help. (5) The first written version of Gasparilla appeared in an advertising brochure of the Charlotte Harbor and Northern Railroad Co. printed in 1900. Thread starter seeker41; Start date Apr 29, 2015 Apr 29, 2015 Some records give him the honor of being what we would call an admiral. WFLA | What is Gasparilla? And that's what we've been chasing. His piratical career always starts with an injustice and he is seen as a lovable rogue rather than a murderous monster. We" more 2. The story of Juan Gomez is also published in the Library of Congress. A Beginners Guide to Magnet Fishing: 15 Sure Fire Tips. During his 38 year career as a pirate, Gaspar attacked over four hundred ships in the Gulf waters of Florida, including supposedly the vessel carrying $11.75 million in gold bullion that the United States had paid Napoleon for the Louisiana Purchase. A couple of his rancher buddies found him and buried him. Named for legendary pirate, Jose Gaspar, who terrorized the coastal waters of West Florida during the 18th and early 19th centuries, Tampa Bay's destination-wide annual Gasparilla celebration kicks off each January with a full schedule of exciting pirate-themed events. He was most likely a sailor for the English Navy who became unemployed and turned to a life of piracy. First of all there was a Spanish Catholic missionary named Gasparillo that had a mission on the island that bears his name. A few years later, he fell out of favor with the government and turned to a life of piracy. There are at least 3 different locations said to hold his riches in Connecticut. During the final combat, the majority of Gasparillas crew was killed, but there were 12 survivors 11 men and a cabin boy called Juan Gomez. Inside, bound to the box by copper wire, she found a dessicated hand wearing a ring with the word "Gaspar" on . was reading about Jose Gaspar aka Gasparilla Pirate and one story tells of his friend Roderigo Lopez wanting to leave the Pirate life and Gaspar helped him leave, so it seems Maria Lopez great great grandfather may have been Roderigo. Aged Rum. The Severed Hand of Florida Pirate Jose Gaspar Found in Attic! Treasure hunter Stacey Hunt holds an old nail found under the ground on a wetland believed to have lost treasure. We're back to the hotel brochure. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Treasure hunting can be a fun and exciting activity. Top Image: Real pirate or later fiction? Photos: Treasure Including Spanish Gold Found on Colombia Shipwreck The ship contained $1,000,000 in assorted treasure, and should be there today. The parade that follows is one of the largest in the country, drawing hundreds of thousands of people to Tampa Bay. And indeed there are serious problems with the stories of Gasparilla. Therefore hiding treasure might have seemed like a logical choice. Marias brother Mike believes the couple in the photo may be their great grandparents, Eve and Ernesto Lopez. Indian River Shores, Florida A trove of Spanish coins dating back to a 1715 shipwreck during a storm have been found along a beach in Florida. Where is the Body of the Legendary King Gorm of Denmark. With the help of the Prime Minster she was able to convincingly spread this rumor leading to Gaspars impending arrest by the king. Treasure hunter Michael Gattuso paddles a boat toward the dock where part of his crew Stacey Hunt, Erin Melcher and Lauren Gattuso wait for him near Nav-A-Gators Bar and Grill. There is not much known about his adventures in Florida but there is rumors of him hiding a large treasure around Choctawatchee Bay. Who has not heard the rumor which has been going on in St. Augustine that Six Flags is coming to St. Johns County and will be constructed off of State Road 206? Or they were always togahter. "Possibly keep it forever. These recommended links below will help you save money and book your trip: We use all the companies listed here or on the resource page. A team of treasure hunters could be on the verge of unearthing the "world's largest treasure hoard," said to be worth over $20 billion. Do you think there's buried treasure out there? This state also holds another possible location on the banks of Blackbird Creek. The Legend of Gasparilla and His Treasure is a gripping, heart-pounding action adventure that's akin to a modern-day Indiana Jones story. The legend of pirate Jose Gaspar, or Gasparilla as he is sometimes known, is shrouded in mystery. Despite its long history, there is no definitive origin of the name. All had been going along fine for Gasparilla until the year 1822. Friendly down to earth staff. The most famous Florida pirate was Jos Gaspar, known by his nickname Gasparilla. The history of Gasparilla and legacy of Jose Gaspar | wtsp.com Another report states that he hid several chests in a small river somewhere in the vicinity of the Bay. This was around the 1870s, after the Civil War. Kidd set sail for England and was commissioned as a privateer by the English government. Rather than be captured by the United States Navy, he wrapped an anchor chain around his leg and jumped overboard, the heavy metal dragging him out of sight into the deep blue waters. Just pick any island and start digging, because Gasparillas loot is buried on many of them, including Cayo Pelau. The treasure: Slave-turned-pirate Henri Caesar stole a ship in Haiti to seek his fortune on the Spanish Main and Florida waters. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. ", Pirate treasure in grandpa's attic includes human hand. The final and perhaps most intriguing possibility is around the Spanish Fort San Carlos in Pensacola. Gasparilla fell in love with Jeffries while on land, but she informed him that she had fallen in love with one of his crew, Batista Fuentes, a handsome and well-educated man from a famous family. He has written for 8 years in a variety of fields including history, health and politics. What year did Jose Gaspar invade Tampa? 11 The Cuerdale Treasures- $2.6 Million. 3. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Jos Gaspar allegedly lived between 1756 and 1821 and was based on southwest Florida, on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico. Canceled2021 Gasparilla Pirate Festival / Date Also check state and local regulations before you begin any activities such as digging or metal detecting. Seeing the writing on the wall, he decided to scuttle his own ship and hide with his crew in the forrest. Jose Gaspar Treasure Co (Flagler Beach) - All You Need to Know BEFORE Treasure Hunters May Have Found Jos Gaspar's Pirate Vessel - YouTube A treasure said to be worth $30 million. Leaving Spain at an early age, he sailed to the West Coast of Florida. He subsequently set fire to all his buildings before sailing out to sea, never to be heard from again. So are you juiced up and just caught the gold fever? I was totally blown away," said Lopez. We are constantly looking for opportunities to metal detect, magnet fish, pan for gold, and search for real life lost treasures. He met and married his wife in New York and had 2 daughters. The most notorious and successful pirate was Jose Gaspar, better known as Gasparilla. The prices seem lower, but not my thing. Gasparilla: Was the Legendary Spanish Pirate Jose Gaspar Real? Hiding treasure under a well constructed fort is a much more logical thought than those previously mentioned. . He found a hillside where he buried 2 pirate chests filled with valuable metals and jewels. When he was captured and offered the option of going to prison or joining the navy, he chose the latter, serving with distinction for several years before organizing a mutiny against a dictatorial captain and fleeing to Florida with a stolen ship. So it would seem that Gasparilla is a fiction, no more real a figure than Mickey Mouse. Lesser and Greater Antilles / Windward and Leeward Islands What is What? When he was wrongfully arrested, he hijacked a ship and fled, promising to seek revenge on his homeland. ", The story said Gaspar hid in the Charlotte Harbor area, and "while taking the census of 1900, two gentlemen stopped at Panther Key and spent the night with *John Gomez. Jos Gaspar - Wikiwand At The Jose Gaspar Treasure Co. visitors and locals can find treasures of all kinds. A unique legend of pirate treasure in Indiana is intriguing. He then tied himself to an anchor and jumped in the ocean disappearing for all time. "I'm considering it. 10 Lost Treasures in America Waiting to be Found - History Collection His ship soon followed him to the watery depths. Treasure on Sunken Spanish Galleon Could Be Biggest Ever - History Enjoy. https://www.cultofweird.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/pirate-treasure-hand.jpg, https://www.cultofweird.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/cultofweird-new-logo.png, Mysterious Pirate Treasure Box Found in Tampa Bay Attic, February 17, 2023 - 9:45 pm by dEBRINA bLACKMOON. Another instance of his softer side can be found in the account of Ann Jeffries, an English girl traveling from New Orleans to Liverpool. According to the sources we studied, Gaspar was probably born in Spain in 1756. Strap yourself in for a wild ride and buy this international bestselling book today! ", The story of Gaspar begins in 1782; the brochure states, "he stood high in the graces of the Spanish Court, so high indeed that he niched the crown jewels. Upon returning he discovered that he had been labeled a pirate by the British government. Jose Gaspar has come in handy for parades and celebrations. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. will support that mission. When he finally realized that it was a warship, it was too late. "We are not sure what we're going to do with it," said Lopez. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); If anybody wants to start a treasure seach team, WTF Florida? After sustaining heavy damage, the famed Spanish pirate tied himself to his anchor and leaped to his watery death apparently not wanting to be killed at the hands of the enemy. The Story of Gasparilla by ABC Action News on Scribd. Jose Gaspar Treasure 6 Jewelry Gift Shops Bookstores $ "We went in looking for a lite shark tooth for our son. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. 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This Plantation is said to be roughly 5 miles West of the town of Iowa. Before we get to the treasure hunt, let's touch on the historical background of Jose Gaspar and how a now infamous fictitious pirate became a Tampa legend. Ancient Viking treasures found in England actually seems to be a thing, as many of relative value have been found throughout the years. The first recorded reference of Jos Gaspar was in fact over 100 years after his supposed career, in a short biography included in an early 1900s promotional brochure for the Gasparilla Inn on Gasparilla Island in Charlotte Harbor. Our Florida pirate "Jose Gaspar enters history's scene in Spain where he was born in the year 1756 and started adult life with a career in the Spanish Navy, serving aboard the warship Floridablanca. JavaScript is disabled. Other than news articles, the first story ever published in print about the Story of Gasparilla was commissioned by the Charlotte Harbor & Northern Railroad. In all, he buried 13 casks and chests of treasure in the vicinity of his headquarters. He was well-liked in court, but when he abandoned one lover for another, his spurned lover falsely accused him of stealing the crown jewels. By clicking Accept Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Later that fall, he captured a large French slave ship bound for some sugar plantations. Having spent some time here, Blackbeard built a fort near a swamp west of Charleston. Similar Names. Show more. This does not stop the legend of Gasparilla from living on in the Florida folklore; the story of his life is even retold in a hotel brochure at the site where supposedly his treasure was buried, The Huffington Post reported. Okay, that was. Gasparilla had fallen into a trap! Cleaning the dreaded attic turned up a darling wedding photo of the Lopezes grandparents, but it also uncovered some interesting but creepy finds. Jose Gaspar commandeered the 'Floridablanca', the ship upon which he was serving, to commence his life of piracy. Read another story from us:Norways Saint Olaf Uncovered: Archaeologists Believe They have Discovered the Shrine of the Lost Viking King. The city of Tampa hosts a Gasparilla Day each year. They then buried the chests in numerous places along the river and its tributaries and swamps. He finally returned with his wife to find all but a handful of his crew had died. TAMPA, Fla. - Docked in downtown Tampa, the Jose Gasparilla II is one of the most iconic parts of Gasparilla and a year-round reminder of Tampa's biggest party and quirkiest tradition. As mentioned above one of the rumored locations for his treasure is on Woodland Beach in Delaware. My grandfather had a book on all these when I was younger. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Rumors take on a life of their own and ultimately cause hurt or expense. There is another treasure said to be buried on Kelly Island in Delaware by James Gillian, a member of Kidds crew. For whatever reason, burial of chests laden with gold and jewels seems to be the norm, but is there any pirate treasure left? They took the box to a few antique stores around Tampa and the contents were described as "gruesome and authentic.". Answer: True This is an area where the stories of Gaspar are for once consistent. Around noon on the Gasparilla Day, members of YMKG set sail across Tampa Bay from near Ballast Point Park to downtown aboard the Jose Gasparilla, a 165' long flat . Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. We have compiled a list of 11 potential pirate treasure troves left unfound. His ship was scuttled in the battle sending the valuables to the bottom of the ocean. This activity is a great way to enjoy some peaceful quite time outdoors or can be a unique experience for 8 Super Fun Family Treasure Hunt Ideas: With Real Treasure. But the idea of a pirate named Gasparilla (or some variant) goes way back. Flagler Beach, FL 32136. Photos show a centuries-old shipwreck found off Colombia's coast carrying lost treasure worth billions of dollars, including gold coins and emeralds. Do secret rooms conceal unknown treasures? In the 1690s a war broke out between England and France. Starting in 1911, though, the event's founders, Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, switched . 15 Lost Treasures People Actually Found | TheRichest I'm here writing on Treasureunknown to provide helpful resources so others can get out and enjoy the thrill of the hunt! (story from treasurelore.com). Just like most pirates, there is little known about his early life. In 1705 the group was killed by French traders who were tired of being robbed by these men. Ye be walkin the plank if ye so think. Just a salty pirate looking to explore and document the wonders of the Caribbean. The most notorious and successful pirate was Jose Gaspar, better known as Gasparilla. He enjoyed telling stories about his adventures on the high seas and a large amount of Gasparillas treasure that was never discovered. When Maria and Mike were children, their grandfather would tell them stories about his father, Ernesto Lopez, finding Jose Gaspar's pirate treasure. They bribed the owner with some of the treasure to not divulge their location. All my curanderos, check out the first word on the second line play the song below for inspiration: Please support WTFFlorida.com by making a donation. Crystal and I greatly appreciate any support! JOSE GASPAR: Kern County makes history, and in a good way Dec 18, 2022 The 8-year-old student was curios so she wrote a letter.
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